December 27, 2011

White Dog rolled her eyes when Michael came into the office late last night as we were closing down for walks and announced,"The toilet in my bathroom is shooting water up like a fountain and there is water all over the floor."

 

Steve immediately jumped up and ran for the plunger in the closet. Then he and Michael headed back downstairs. After a bit Steve came back up and flushed our main unit. White Dog and I heard Michael yell up "Water shooting!" Steve then turned the faucets on in the sink and tub. "Now?" he asked. "Even higher," was the muffled response. The White Dog Army was on full supervisory alert at this point running between the bathroom and the top of the stairs, trying to offer help as Michael slogged wet towels up and hung them outside over the deck railing.

 

"I don't think we need to call a plumber tonight," Steve reported accompanied by Michael and surrounded by the WDA. "We can use the upstairs toilet if we need to during the night and I will call first thing. I think it is a clogged pipe in the line outside."

 

White Dog looked at me sympathetically since I had just drunk a large glass of water and she headed out of the dog door. I had visions of needing to follow her at 2am.

 

The plumber arrived by 9am and was greeted by the WDA's enthusiastic announcement that they would be willing to help if needed...especially if there was digging to be done. Fortunately, we had installed access cleanouts several years ago so the process was fairly simple. The Army was fascinated by the huge rodding snake that disappeared down the hole. Quinn took up a position in the bathroom to alert us to any fountaining or backups. White Dog sat next to me and chanted along as I begged the gods of flushing to be gentle on our checkbook.

 

In a relatively short time, it was pronounced that all was clear. Steve, followed by the WDA flushed and ran water and tested the system...all looked good. The bill did not make us bleed. The sun burst through the clouds...and suddenly EVERYONE in the house needed to seek relief.

 

Our Pay It Forward Winners have chosen some great charities to receive their donations; while not everyone has gotten back to us we already know that...

 

• The Doxies with Moxie are gifting the Dachshund Rescue of North America
• Swimtaxi234 is making a special presentation to the Miniature Schnauzer Rescue of Houston
• Khyra is donating her winnings to The Houston Pittie Pack with special love to Shelby
• Bichonpawz will thrill the Delaware Valley Bichon Rescue with a contribution
• and the Florida Furkids and Angel Snifffie are sending their donation to Space Coast Feline Network.

 

White Dog is excited that her birthday celebration will benefit so many all around the country and she cannot wait to see who the others choose.